Category: movies

Fave Film #3 – Breakfast at Tiffany’s at the theater

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1961

Cast- Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard

Directed by Blake Edwards

Last night my husband took me to dinner at Lola’s (for you Iron Chef America fans it is Michael Symon’s restaurant in downtown Cleveland).  We had a scrumptious dinner.  Then we went down to the Palace Theater where they were showing Breakfast at Tiffany’s on the big screen and hundreds of other classic movie buffs joined us.  As this is one of my favorite films it was a perfect date night. 

Holly Golightly is an escort to wealthy men and Paul Varjak a kept man who is also a writer.  When the two become neighbors a true friendship blossoms before they find themselves drawn to each other in a more physical relationship.  But Holly is a complicated woman and not one easily caught.

Why I love it- First, I am a huge Audrey Hepburn fan.  I find her lovely, fascinating and beautiful.  I think I’ve seen most of her films and this is her iconic role.  Holly is a crazy mess of a girl and one that I could identify with from the very first time I saw the movie years ago.  She is such a flawed individual that I can’t help but love her. 

Before this movie I only knew George Peppard from watching the A-Team in the 80’s, so I was very surprised to see him as the good looking leading man, or ‘the shy, bookish type’ as Paul would say.  I loved his earnest portrayal of a man in love with a woman who didn’t quite love herself yet.  Every woman wants a man who won’t give up on her.

Watching it this time I loved the day they spent together doing things they had never done before, starting with champagne before breakfast and ending with them in bed.  It was a fun and playful day that really showcased their relationship.  And although there was a lot more to this movie it is ultimately a love story.

I love Holly’s style, Audrey’s singing Moon River, Cat, and the whole cab/rain scene at the end.  There really isn’t anything I don’t like about this movie.

This is loosely based on the novella by Truman Capote. 

Now watch and listen to the song that won an Oscar that year for Best Music, Original Song

Fave Film #47 – Sixteen Candles

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1984

Cast – Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Michael Schoeffling

Written & Directed by John Hughes

The enormously talented John Hughes died yesterday at the age of 59.  He wrote and directed many of the movies that shaped my youth.  At least four of his movies appear on my Top 100 list and Jason and I chose to watch one last night.

Samantha Bakes turns 16 and no one in her family remembers because they are all caught up in her sister’s upcoming wedding.  Samantha is bitter and her day gets worse when she is dogged by a geek on the bus and at the school dance.  She pines for the school heartthrob, Jake Ryan, and he begins to notice her too. 

Why I love it – This movie is pure 80’s.  The cliques, the angst, the non tech world, all work for a glimpse of the day.  And the day was a lot less politically correct than it is today.  It was funny to see just how much our vocabulary and awareness has changed in the 20 years since I was in high school (I cannot believe it has been 20 years!).

Molly Ringwald was wonderful in this movie.  What girl hasn’t loved a boy from afar?  Her vulnerability and lack of self-confidence was spot on.  As hot as Jake Ryan was I always thought that she could do better.  I hope she dated him, dumped him, and found a guy who appreciated her.  But that’s just me.

And I have a great appreciation for Anthony Michael Hall in this role.  He made us laugh every time he was on screen, which was often.  King of the Dipshits, indeed.  And let’s not forget Long Duck Dong and his scene stealing.  Molly Ringwald was the heart of this movie and these two were the entertainment.

Here’s the short trailer for the movie.  Take a few minutes and relieve high school and appreciate the genius of John Hughes.

Alan Rickman Was In That? Quiz

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In the past week I’ve seen the talented Alan Rickman in two movies, playing two very different characters.  This week’s quiz answers are my 9 favorite Rickman films – I’ve even listed them in the order I like them best.  I’ll give you the character he played and the year it came out.  Leave a comment telling me the # and the name of the movie.  No Googling – that’s cheating and no fun!

1. 2001, 02, 04, 05, 07, 09  Severus Snape (also stars Maggie Smith)  Harry Potter films, Betty

2. 1999  Metatron (also starred Matt Damon)  Dogma, Lisa

3. 1995  Colonel Brandon (also starred Emma Thompson)  Sense & Sensibility, Beth Fish Reads

4. 2003  Harry  (also starred Emma Thompson)  Love Actually, Mary

5. 1988  Hans Gruber (also starred Bruce Willis)  Die Hard, Heather

6. 1991  Sheriff of Nottingham (also starred Kevin Costner)  Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Betty

7. 1999  Alexander Dane (also starred Sigourney Weaver)   Galaxy Quest, Lisa

8. 2005  Marvin (voice)  (also starred Mos Def)  Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Hilarie

9. 2007  Judge Terpin (also starred Johnny Depp)  Sweeney Todd, Kathy

Fave Film #97 – Sense & Sensibility

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1995

Cast- Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant

Directed by Ang Lee

Emma Thompson won an Oscar for Best Writitng, Screenplay based on material from another medium

Based on the Jane Austen novel, this book follows the classic novel closely.  The two Dashwood sisters, Elinor (Thompson) and Marianne (Winslet), both struggle to find happiness.  The sensible Elinor falls for Edward (Grant) and the passionate Marianne for Willoughby (Greg Wise).  However, neither will have a smooth road to true love.

Why I love it –My favorite thing about this film is the wonderful cast.  The top four and the surrounding cast were all wonderful.  I was charmed by Hugh Grant  as Edward in a way that I wasn’t in the book.  Winslet glowed as Marianne and it was great to see Rickman as a romantic lead.  And Thompson was perfectly sensible.  I also very much enjoyed the actors in the smaller parts, especially Hugh Laurie as the sarcastic Mr. Palmer.

I saw this movie when it came out and liked it and I recently listened to the novel and liked it too, but I liked the movie more this second time I saw it because I had read the book.  It brought the story to life and the actors made the story richer for me.  Of course, I love period dramas, romances, and these actors are favorites of mine, so it is no big shock that I would love this movie.

And because I know most of the ladies who love this time period, love to see the balls and the gowns, here’s a clip…

Fave Film #10 – The Breakfast Club

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Breakfast Club with Estevez Estevez1985

Cast- Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy

Written and Directed by John Hughes

Five students are stuck in a Chicago high school library on a Saturday to serve a day long detention.  They start the day as the Jock, the Brain, the Criminal, the Princess, and the Kook.  After hours fighting, smoking, revealing secrets, and fighting teen hormones the five students realize that they are not as different as they originally thought.

Why I love it– I am a child of the 80’s (ages 9-19) and, for me, this is the quintessential high school movie of the 80’s.  It is about stereotypes and cliques and judging people for who they are, not where other students have pigeon-holed them.  I thought it was done perfectly and I loved each of the five for different reasons.  I do confess that when I watched this last night the Princess (Molly Ringwald), who I loved back in the day, had lost some of her luster.   Loved the cast and the story and the absurdity of it.

And let me be honest, if I was going to serve an 8 hour detention what better place than the most awesome high school library I have ever seen?!  I never knew any school to have day-long detentions, what about you?

When I was in high school I watched this so many times I could (with the help of my friends) pretty much recite the whole movie.  Sad, right?  I’m sure that the reason this movie is so high on my list is for pure nostalgia.  It takes me back to high school and it’s a fun place to revisit once in awhile.  I am pretty sure that it does not hold the same appeal across generations, but I suppose I could be wrong.

Here’s the trailer.  View the Brat Pack in all of their glory.

Fave Film #71 – Rosemary’s Baby

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Cover Image1968

Cast – Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes 

Director- Roman Polanski

Ruth Gordon won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

Rosemary and Guy move into a new building in New York City and decide to start a family.  Their eccentric neighbors befriend them and Guy’s career takes off.  When Rosemary gets pregnant the happy occasion is marred by the pain she is in.  There is something off about their neighbors and the conversations heard from their apartment. 

Why I love it-I would call this a psychological horror film.  The acting is so subtle that it is brilliant and for a horror film that is a rare treat.  The innocence and vulnerability of Rosemary and the undoing of Guy are perfect.  And I love that behind the friendly facades of neighbors, Roman and Minnie, lurk secrets best kept. 

I am surprised at how well this movie has aged.  It’s over 40 years later and it is still haunting.  Those dream sequences were just plain creepy without being too over the top.  I am not a horror fan.  Most horror movies are just so ridiculous that they are not scary at all.  Not so with this one.  I was very scared for Rosemary.

So what is the deal with Rosemary’s baby?  It is still such a part of pop culture that it really is a must see.  In the past week since I watched this again I’ve heard it mentioned on two television shows.

A young Charles Grodin also makes an appearance.  I couldn’t find a clip from the movie that wasn’t way too long, so this is a clip of Ruth Gordon accepting her Oscar.  They do play the creepy movie music. 

Fave Film #10 – When Harry Met Sally

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Cover Image1989

Cast – Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby

Directed by Rob Reiner

Can a man and woman ever truly be friends or will the sex thing always get in the way?  When recent college graduates drive from Chicago to New York together they despise each other.  When they meet a few years later they are both in happy relationships.  Fast forward a few more years and they run into each other again, both in need of a friend.  They become close and appreciate the friendship and avoid ruining it with sex, mostly.

Why I love it- I thought Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan had such great chemistry and the dialogue was spot on, only more funny.  I liked seeing them get over their initial judgements of each other and see each other as friends.  And it really did make me laugh out loud.  A lot.  The days of the week underpants, Surry with a Fringe on top, and the wagon wheel coffee table are a few that come to mind.

My husband watched it with me last night and he said that it remindind him of a long Seinfeld episode.  Since we both love Seinfeld, this is a good thing.  I hadn’t really thought of the movie like that before…witty New York singles involved in trivial day to day life.  But the comparison is one I like.

Oh, and the sweet old couples telling their stories between scences?  Actors!  I loved thinking of them as older married couples.

And for the record, I do think men and women can be friends.  I had a best friend in college and after who I loved dearly (still do) and somehow we managed not to let sex get in the way 🙂 

This is not my favorite clip from the movie, but it is the most recognizable.  So, if people are around you may want to turn down the volume a little.

My complete list here.

Jane Eyre, 2006 movie

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Jane Eyre with Wilson Wilson

This is my fourth movie version on Jane Eyre in 8 months!  Mr. Rochester was played by Toby Stephens and Ruth Wilson was Jane.  I really don’t want to get into the story again – so I’ll just compare it with the other three versions I’ve watched.

I was going to start with the things I liked, but the things that come to mind first are the things that bothered me.  So, let me start by saying that I did not like Toby Stephens as Mr. Rochester, although he did have a nice head of hair!  He was playful and flirtatious and way too accessible.  Mr. Rochester is a commanding man and I didn’t get that from Stephens.  Now, I’ve made my husband sit through one of the movies, parts of another, AND take me to see it on Broadway years ago.  So, just to make sure I wasn’t being too judgemental I made him watch 15 minutes of this version and he said after 5 that Rochester was not serious enough.  I think that’s all I’m going to say about that.

I thought Ruth Wilson was fine as Jane Eyre.  But this whole movie felt like a slick, sexy, modern 4 hour version of the book.  The production was outstanding and as a movie I really liked it, but as an interpretation of the book, not so much. 

I know many people love this movie, so comment away 🙂 

Here’s my ranking of the four that I’ve seen so far…

1. 1983 version with Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke.  I reviewed it here

2. 1944 version with Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine.  I reviewed  it here

3. This 2006 version. 

4. 1996 version with William hurt and Charlotte Gainsbourg.  I reviewed it here

Fave Film #1 – The Philadelphia Story

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I’m more likely to watch a favorite movie again and again before I’d read a favorite book again.  Maybe it’s because a favorite movie takes less time or I can share the time with a friend.  

If I have an author interview I’ll post it on a Friday, but if I don’t have an interview I’m going to watch a favorite movie and do a little feature.  Maybe it’s a favorite of yours too, or maybe you’ll discover one that you just have to see.   Although my list is not in exact order I’m going to start at the top for this first one.

The Philadelphia Story with Grant Grant1940 

Cast- Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart

 James Stewart won  the Best Lead Actor for his role.

Tracy Lord (Hepburn) is about to marry for the second time.  Her first husband, CK Dexter Haven (Grant), is hoping to meddle just enough to stop the wedding.  Writer Macaulay Connor (Stewart) and photographer Liz Imbrie (Ruth Hussey) are called in to secretly cover the wedding for a tabloid magazine.  Tracy must face the truth about herself before she can face her wedding day.

Why I love it– The cast from the big three (Hepburn, Grant, Stewart) to the smallers players like Uncle Willie and sister Dinah are superb.  The acting shines.  The quick and witty dialogue will keep you sharp, wanting to know what the next gem will be.  And just as importantly, the movie had something to say.  This was a movie about classes and imperfections, about being human.  It’s about making mistakes and not only being forgiven, but loved for them. 

I watched this again last night and I loved it just as much as ever.  There was only one scene I felt was written by a man in the 1930’s.  It was the one between Tracy and her father about why men cheat.   I actually hadn’t remembered it, but last night it made me so mad!  Imagine a father blaming his own daughter for his philandering! 

Here’s a peak at a scene between a drunk Connor and patient Haven.  I love both of these leading men.  I’ve read that this movie required no retakes and this scene in particular had some ad-libs.  The hiccup was not planned.  See what happens.

This is being shown on the Turner Classic Movie channel on June 28th at 8 pm.

 

Tom Hanks Was In That? Quiz

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Tom Hanks - 288 x 340This weekend we saw the movie Angels & Demons and while I liked the movie it was not one of my favorite Tom Hanks movies.  This week’s quiz answers are my 10 favorite Hanks films.  I’ll give you the character he played and the year it came out.  Leave a comment telling me the # and the name of the movie.  No Googling – that’s cheating and no fun!

1. 2002 – Michael Sullivan (also starred Paul Newman) – Road to Perdition , Barbara

2. 1986 – Walter Fielding Jr. (also starred Shelley Long) – The Money Pit , Barbara

3. 1992 – Jimmy Dugan (Also starred Madonna) – A League of Their Own , Barbara

4. 1998 – Capt. John H. Miller (Also starred Vin Diesel) – Saving Private Ryan , Jo-Jo

5. 1984 – Allen Bauer (Also starred John Candy) Splash , Kathy

6. 1993 – Sam Baldwin (Also starred Meg Ryan) Sleepless in Seattle , Kathy

7. 1994 – Forrest Gump (I don’t think you need any more help!) Forrest Gump , Kathy

8. 1989 – Det. Scott Turner (Also starred Mare Winningham) – Turner & Hooch , Kathy

9. 1988 – Josh Baskin (Also starred Elizabeth Perkins) – Big , Barbara

10. 1998 – Paul Edgecomb (Also starred Michael Clarke Duncan) – The Green Mile , Barbara

Don’t see your favorite Tom HAnks movie on here?  Which one is yours?